My ten things to do in Hampstead guide offers an insightful journey through the charming, picturesque hamlet of Hampstead, nestled in the London Borough of Camden. It encompasses the verdant expanses of Hampstead Heath, the awe-inspiring vistas from Parliament Hill, and the stunning Golders Hill Park and Pergola. Traverse the grandeur of historic homes like Kenwood House, Keats House, Fenton House and Garden, Burgh House, and the Freud Museum. Modernist enthusiasts can relish Ernő Goldfinger’s residence at 2 Willow Road. Hampstead also brims with delightful cafes, romantic eateries, and traditional pubs. Shopping enthusiasts will find a treasure trove of fashion boutiques. Stroll along the quaint cobbled lanes and embark on a tour of Hampstead with me.
My Ten Things To Do In Hampstead List:
1. Reconnect with the great outdoors at Hampstead Heath
2. Revel in the splendour of Golders Hill Park and Pergola
3. Explore the illustrious Kenwood House
4. Immerse in the romance of Keats House
5. Discover the enchanting Fenton House and Garden
6. Experience local history at Burgh House
7. Delve into the mind of Sigmund Freud at the Freud Museum
8. Marvel at Ernő Goldfinger’s Modernist home at 2 Willow Road
9. Dine at charming cafes, restaurants, or pubs
10. Indulge in a shopping spree at the chic fashion boutiques
My Favourite Ten Things To Do In Hampstead
1. Reconnect with the great outdoors at Hampstead Heath. This sprawling, ancient heath, spanning 320 hectares, offers swimming ponds, woodlands, meadows, a running track, playgrounds, and a protected view of London from Parliament Hill.
2. Revel in the splendour of Golders Hill Park and Pergola. The park has a café, tennis courts, a bandstand, a croquet lawn, a children’s playground, a walled garden, a stumpery, and a zoo. The Pergola, overlooking the West Heath, is a notable attraction. Find it at North End Way, London NW3 7HE.
3. Explore the illustrious Kenwood House, an English Heritage historic house. Once the dwelling of the Earls of Mansfield, it houses Old Master and British paintings within a 17th-century neoclassic villa. Entrance is free, so you can indulge in delectable food at The Brew House or The Stewards Room, which boasts a scenic terrace for alfresco dining. Kenwood House is located at Hampstead Lane, London NW3 7JR.
4. Immerse in the romance of Keats House. This regency villa, once home to famed English romantic poet John Keats, is where he met his fiancée, Fanny Brawne. The Keats Library is next door. Find Keats House at 10 Keats Grove, London NW3 2RT.
5. Discover the enchanting Fenton House and Garden. This 17th-century merchant’s house displays period art, decorative pieces, ceramics, figurines, needlepoint, and early keyboard instruments. The captivating garden boasts a manicured lawn, trimmed topiary, a sunken rose garden, and an ancient orchard. It is located at Hampstead Grove, London NW3 6RT.
6. Experience local history at Burgh House. This Grade I listed Queen Anne Mansion is an accredited museum with 5000 objects showcasing the story of Burgh House, the local area, and its inhabitants. The Buttery Café is a must-visit for breakfast and lunch. The house, situated at New End Square, Hampstead, London NW3 1LT, offers free entry.
7. Delve into the mind of Sigmund Freud at the Freud Museum. The museum provides insights into the renowned psychoanalyst’s life and work. Find it at 20 Maresfield Gardens, London NW3 5SX.
8. Marvel at Ernő Goldfinger’s Modernist home at 2 Willow Road. This eminent architect’s abode also houses a collection of modern art and furniture designed by Goldfinger. The full address is 2 Willow Road, London NW3. Advanced ticket booking is required.
9. Dine at charming cafes, restaurants, or pubs. Hampstead is brimming with quaint cafes; my top picks include Ginger and White and Heath Street Bakehouse for delectable breakfast and brunch. Redemption Roasters and Hagen serve excellent coffee. Melrose and Morgan is a great choice for those partial to deli-style meals. Restaurants are also plentiful; I ate lunch at Oak and Poppy, which was delightful. If you want a romantic night out, try La Cage Imaginaire on Flask Street. Traditional pub fare is another option; perhaps the most famous public house is the 18th-century Holly Bush. Other notable establishments include The Spaniards Inn, The Wells Tavern and The Flask.
10. Indulge in a shopping spree at chic fashion boutiques. Hampstead houses an array of stylish fashion stores like Maje, Reiss, Ba&sh, Brand Melville, Zadig and Voltaire, Free People, American Vintage and more. The main shopping streets are Hampstead High Street and Heath Street.
Watch My Hampstead London NW3 Video
Helpful Information About Hampstead London NW3
The primary postcode for Hampstead is NW3. It is encircled by Highgate, Belsize Park, Finchley, and Golders Green. Two stations service the area: Hampstead Underground (Northern Line) and Hampstead Heath (Overground). For an in-depth understanding of the region, consult the Wikipedia page on Hampstead.
While you are in the area, you may find these posts helpful:
Things To Do In Hampstead:
Hampstead London NW3 Area Guide
Golders Hill Park Hampstead London NW3
Historic Houses In Hampstead:
Historic Houses Hampstead London NW3
Kenwood House Hampstead London NW3
Burgh House Hampstead London NW3
Lunch At Buttery Café Burgh House Hampstead London NW3
Fenton House and Garden Hampstead London NW3
Keats House Hampstead London NW3
Freud Museum Hampstead London NW3
2 Willow Road Hampstead London NW3
Places To Eat In Hampstead:
Buttery Cafe Burgh House Hampstead London NW3
Oak And Poppy Hampstead London NW3
Ginger And White Hampstead London NW3
Heath Street Bakehouse Hampstead London NW3
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. 2 Willow Road courtesy of The National Trust. Please check that the places I referenced in this article are still in business before you visit to avoid disappointment.